What do drones, 3D printers and LEGO robots have in common? They were just a few of the tools students explored this summer at CS Rising, a hands-on computer science camp designed to ignite interest in technology among Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) middle schoolers.
The 2025 CS Rising Summer Camp gave rising sixth through eighth graders a weeklong adventure in innovation, problem solving and collaboration. Campers engaged in project-based learning experiences that blended creativity with technology. From building sensor-driven solutions like drones that detect forest fires to designing and printing 3D models using Bambu X1C printers, students learned by doing so in a fun and supportive environment. LEGO Robotics challenges encouraged computational thinking while reinforcing teamwork and design.
A peer-led model helped make this year’s camp a success. LCPS teachers Chris Starke (Briar Woods High School) and Betsy Hale (Heritage High School) played key roles by facilitating student activities and mentoring high school interns. Ten LCPS high school interns, hired by Kristina Lee and paid through a grant funded by the Loudoun Education Foundation, supported teachers and campers throughout the experience. In addition to leading camp activities, interns were able to gain valuable leadership and instructional experience while inspiring the next generation of tech talent.
Held at the Amazon Web Services Think Big Space inside JL Simpson Middle School, the camp took place during multiple weeks in summer 2025. Each session ran Monday through Friday and concluded with a Friday showcase, where students presented their final projects to families, community partners and guests.
The CS Rising initiative, led by LCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE), was developed in partnership with Creative Hut, Amazon and the Loudoun Education Foundation. Together, the teams worked to broaden access to computer science education, especially for students who may not have had prior exposure.
By the end of the camp sessions, CS Rising successfully built early confidence, sparked curiosity and showed students that computer science is not only approachable but also fun. From coding and collaboration to imagination and invention, the camp helped prepare students for a future where tech skills and creative thinking go hand in hand.